Meet Events Manager Katie

Events Manager Katie Jackson began her career with Hastings Hotels 7 years ago after applying for Hastings Hotels Trainee Manager Programme, get to know a little more about Katie in our latest blog.

How long have you worked for Hastings Hotels/Ballygally Castle

I started with Hastings Hotels as a Trainee Manager in 2016, I then worked in the events department in Ballygally Castle’s sister Hotel the Grand Central in Belfast when it opened in 2018. Shortly after I was offered my current position of Events Manager at Ballygally Castle.

Favourite part of your job:

My favourite part is definitely meeting with different couples. I enjoy learning about their individual needs and then watching their dream day come to life. It’s a really rewarding feeling to be part of such a special day for so many lovely couples.

Reason for joining the team 

As part of the Trainee Manager Programme, I had to complete a 6-month rotation at Ballygally Castle. I absolutely loved the setting and getting to be involved in the events side of things, especially assisting with the planning of weddings – I knew from then, wedding planning and events was definitely something I wanted to learn more about and it was the career path I wanted for myself.   

Previous experience before joining the Ballygally Castle Hotel:

I’ve worked in hospitality since I was 15. I loved serving people and chatting with customers!

Any interesting stories/highlights working at Ballygally Castle? 

There are so many – I don’t know what one to pinpoint! As we are a small team we all work so closely together which I love, we feel like a work family who all look out for one another, as we want the best for the hotel and the guests. Also, seeing each wedding on the day come together is amazing as no two weddings are ever the same here! We offer bespoke packages to allow couples to change certain details, ensuring every wedding is as individual as their love story.